Minister Says Diesel Price Hike Won't Drive Up Commodity Costs

Mugisha John — 2025-11-08T11:40:18Z

Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, said Friday that a small increase in diesel prices will not lead to higher commodity prices, as the government continues to cushion citizens from global fuel price shocks.

Sebahizi said diesel prices rose by only 5 percent per liter, describing the increase as moderate compared to what could have occurred without government intervention. He said the government absorbed a significant portion of the cost to prevent it from affecting food and transport prices.

“The link between fuel prices and commodity prices comes mainly from transportation, since most vehicles use diesel,” Sebahizi said. “The government made major sacrifices to ensure prices remain stable. Diesel went up by only 5 percent, so we don't expect any noticeable rise in food prices.”

He explained that the 5 percent adjustment was too small to cause price shifts in the market.

“When you calculate a 5 percent increase in diesel against the total cost of transporting goods, the effect is minimal,” he said. “It's not enough to push up overall commodity prices.”

Sebahizi said the government has adopted several measures to protect consumers from fluctuations in international fuel prices. Rwanda, he said, is expanding its fuel storage capacity to stock up when global prices fall, helping to stabilize local supply and pricing.

He added that the country is working with regional partners to cut transport costs.

“Goods imported through the Northern Corridor via Mombasa are usually more expensive than those through the Central Corridor,” he said. “We are in discussions with Kenya to allow Rwanda to use the Eldoret fuel pipeline, which would make fuel deliveries cheaper and more efficient.”

To further limit dependence on imported fuel, Sebahizi said Rwanda is promoting electric vehicles and encouraging domestic production.

“We're urging people to use electric cars where possible,” he said. “Increasing local production helps protect our currency, reduce imports, and boost what we make at home.”

He called on traders to act responsibly and avoid unjustified price increases, urging consumers to report any abuse to authorities to ensure fair pricing across markets.

Bugesera Airport Set to Replace Kanombe for Large Flights by 2028

Mugisha John — 2025-10-10T10:04:57Z

Rwanda's new Kigali International Airport, under construction in Bugesera District, will replace the current Kanombe airport for large passenger and cargo aircraft once completed, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore said Thursday.

Gasore made the announcement on Oct. 9, 2025, after meeting members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security. Lawmakers had invited him to discuss the government's ongoing measures to reduce road accidents, but he also provided an update on major infrastructure projects.

He said construction of the Bugesera airport is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by 2027, with operations beginning in mid-2028.

“Work at the site is going well. The goal is to complete the airport by 2027 and start operations by mid-2028,” Gasore told reporters in Kigali.

The minister explained that once the new facility opens, large aircraft will no longer use the existing Kigali International Airport in Kanombe. The government is assessing how to repurpose the current airport for other aviation-related activities to ensure it remains economically productive.

“Large passenger and cargo planes will no longer operate from Kanombe,” Gasore said. “We will explore new uses for the facility to make sure it continues to contribute to the aviation sector.”
To improve accessibility, the government plans to begin construction of major access roads to the new airport in early 2026. Gasore said three main roads will connect the Bugesera airport to Kigali and other regions to facilitate passenger and cargo transport.

“There will be a road linking Masaka to the airport, another connecting the outer part of Bugesera, and a major one from Kicukiro Bridge to the airport,” he said. “Feasibility studies are complete, and tenders will soon be issued so that construction begins next year.”

The new Kigali International Airport, located about 25 kilometers southeast of the capital, sits on a 900-hectare site. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle up to 8 million passengers annually and serve as a major aviation hub in the region.

The project is part of Rwanda's broader strategy to expand its transport infrastructure and strengthen its position as a logistics and business hub for East Africa, boosting trade, tourism, and investment.

Vision Media

Minister Says Diesel Price Hike Won't Drive Up Commodity Costs

Bugesera Airport Set to Replace Kanombe for Large Flights by 2028